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Austria International Political News | International | EU | Domestic
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian politics with reference to the international interest
International Atomic Energy Agency and its 66th General Conference
Many issues were discussed at the 66th General Conference of the IAEA, held in Vienna. The theme of "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field" focused not only on nuclear security, the future of nuclear technologies, and the role of the IAEA but also on global nuclear security issues, such as Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs as well as recent Russian nuclear threats.
October 1, 2022
Latvian President Egils Levits Visits Vienna
Latvian Federal President Egils Levits recently visited his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen in Vienna to hold consultations on current issues. The two condemned Russia's behaviour in the occupied territories and agreed that the results of the sham referenda held in the annexed territories should not be recognised.
September 30, 2022
EU Capitals Make Important Contribution to EU Climate Targets
The 11th Annual Dialogue of EU Capitals with the European Commission took place recently. A representative of the City of Vienna was also present. Read on to find out what goals and issues the EU capitals are currently facing.
September 30, 2022
Weekly Briefing: 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is working at full speed and is already preparing exciting glimpses of the fall. The IAEA is holding its 66th General Conference and there are new economic developments in Austria. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 29, 2022
Vienna Conference on Journalist Safety in November
The Vienna Conference on Journalist Safety will be held on November 3 and 4. The event will be held under the title "Safety of Journalists: Protecting media to protect democracy", in cooperation between the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at Palais Niederösterreich and online.
September 29, 2022
Vietnam and Austria Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Austria, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son visited Vienna. Together with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the two counterparts discussed the good relations between the two countries and exchanged views on current international challenges, such as the Ukraine war.
September 29, 2022
Belgian Foreign Minister Met Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib met with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg for working talks in Vienna. The subsequent discussions focused on bilateral relations between Austria and Belgium, the EU enlargement process and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
September 28, 2022
Austria and Switzerland Agreed On Action Plan Against Migration
Austria and Switzerland want to cooperate even more closely in the fight against irregular migration. During a visit by Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to his Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter in Switzerland, a joint action plan was agreed upon. At the common border, cooperation is to be intensified in priority actions. In addition, pressure is to be exerted on Balkan countries such as Serbia to restrict the current visa rules.
September 28, 2022
Referendum in Ukraine: Austria Will Not Recognise Result
After the publication of the results of the illegal sham referenda in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, the Austrian government made it clear that it would not recognise them. The inconclusive election results show a clear approval of the Russian annexation.
September 28, 2022
Argentinian Foreign Minister in Vienna
The Argentine Foreign Minister, Santiago Andrés Cafiero, who is currently attending the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to strengthen Argentina's relations with the Agency, met with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The exchange focused on the expansion of bilateral relations, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its global implications.
September 27, 2022
Natural History Museum Vienna Returns Bones of Members of the Māori and Moriori to New Zealand
Bones of members of the Māori and Moriori people were returned to Aotearoa, New Zealand, during a repatriation ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Vienna.
September 27, 2022
Opening of the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The 66th IAEA General Conference is taking place at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 26-30 September. Representatives from the IAEA’s 175 Member States are convening at the conference in Vienna. Under the theme "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field," the focus is not only on nuclear security and the role of the IAEA but also on Iran's buildup of highly enriched uranium stockpiles as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the accompanying nuclear threats from Russia.
September 26, 2022
Schools in Austria on the Path to Become European Parliament Ambassador Schools
With a full-day kick-off event with European Parliament members Hannes Heide and Thomas Waitz at the House of the European Union in Vienna, teachers from 20 schools, started the Ambassador Schools Program of the European Parliament for the school year 2022/23.
September 26, 2022
Working in Austria: Further Facilitation of the Red-White-Red Card
Applying for a Red-White-Red Card is made easier again! Skilled workers who intend to work in Austria will find it easier to obtain a work permit in the future. Read this article to find out which simplifications have been decided.
September 26, 2022
UN in Vienna Celebrates the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
On the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the United Nations draws attention to the important issue of nuclear disarmament. The day, which has been celebrated since 2014, is intended to raise awareness of the enormous international stockpiles of nuclear weapons and to make member states aware of the importance of joint disarmament.
September 26, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met Representatives of Jewish Organizations in New York
Austria should take its historical responsibility for the Holocaust seriously. Foreign Minister Schallenberg met with representatives of Jewish organizations on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
September 25, 2022
European Cooperation with Austria's Educational Institutions
During an Erasmus+ networking meeting, the new European digital hub "European School Education Platform" was presented at a gala event. Furthermore, the European Innovative Teaching Awards (EITA) were awarded to three Austrian schools.
September 25, 2022
Meeting in New York: Turkey and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Relations
In the course of his stay at the UN General Assembly in New York, Federal President Van der Bellen met Turkish President Erdogan. Among the topics discussed were the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and Turkey's role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
September 23, 2022
Weekly Briefing: New Ambassadors in Vienna
The Find out more about this week's developments. In Vienna, several new ambassadors were accredited, who will represent their respective countries bilaterally as well as multilaterally at the OSCE and the international organizations in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 22, 2022
Austria Becomes Member of Methane Reduction Coalition
Austria joins the international initiative to reduce methane emissions founded a year ago. The goal of the now more than 100 countries is to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020.
September 22, 2022
OSCE Criticises Russian Media Isolation and "Climate of Fear"
Since 2012, the Russian government has been suppressing freedom of expression step by step. With a new law that will only allow information from official Russian channels, a new low has been reached to which the OSCE would like to draw attention once again.
September 22, 2022
Austrian Chancellor at UN General Assembly: End War at the Negotiating Table as Soon as Possible
The UN General Assembly in New York gathered a large number of international politicians to debate the current problems in the world. The Austrian President Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chancellor Nehammer and Alexander Schallenber, Austria's Foreign Minister, were also present.
September 22, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in Vienna
Rodrigo Olsen Olivares, Chile's new permanent representative to the United Nations (Vienna), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Rodrigo Olsen Olivares, the new permanent representative of Chile to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 20, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of France to the International Organizations in Vienna
Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, France's new permanent representative to the United Nations (Vienna), presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, the new Permanent Representative of the French Republic to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 20, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?
The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.
September 20, 2022
Reopening of the Bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna
As a part of the reopening of the bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Icelandic counterpart Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir. Aside from bilateral issues, Iceland's upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe and the security situation in Europe were also discussed.
September 19, 2022
Taliban Opponent Massoud at Afghanistan Conference in Vienna
A conference in Vienna last week focused on the future of Afghanistan. About 25 politicians, human rights activists, scientists and other Afghan personalities met for the conference. Among them was Ahmad Massoud, probably Afghanistan's most prominent freedom fighter.
September 19, 2022
Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Austria's President Condolences British Royal Couple
Following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Austria's Federal President flew to Great Britain this weekend to personally express his condolences to the Royal Family. In addition to his presence at the reception on Sunday evening, he also attended the official state funeral on Monday and signed the various Queen's book of condolence.
September 19, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna
Caroline Vermeulen, Belgium's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Caroline Vermeulen, the new permanent representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna, as well as the Ambassador to Austria.
September 19, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE in Vienna
Christian Gronbech-Jensen, Denmark's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen, the new permanent representative of Denmark to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 18, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in New York
As part of his New York trip, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will participate in the UN General Debate, the "Transforming Education Summit" and bilateral working talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of government.
September 18, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Bilateral Diplomacy in Vienna
The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is back from the summer break in Vienna. The bilateral relations in Vienna produced some meetings, demonstrating that diplomacy is always present in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 15, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in Vienna
Bharat Kumar Regmi, Ambassador-Designate of Nepal to Austria and Nepal's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Bharat Kumar Regmi, the new permanent representative of Nepal to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 15, 2022
State of the EU 2022 Speech: Austria Wants to Usher in a Modern EU Future
The State of the EU address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed many acute issues, including the war in Ukraine and its international repercussions. Austria's Minister for Europe responded.
September 15, 2022
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Women's Museum Hittisau Launch Project "Calliope. Join the dots"
With "Calliope. Join the dots", the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Women's Museum Hittisau are launching a joint project that is intended to inspire as a platform for outstanding Austrian women, as well as to promote equality and renew Austria's image abroad.
September 14, 2022
Medal Award Ceremony in Vienna Strengthens Chinese-Austrian Relations
Several individuals who helped strengthen Chinese-Austrian relations were honored with Rosthorn Medals 2022 recently at Palais Epstein. Werner Fasslabend, Margareta Griessler-Hermann, LI Xiaosi, the ambassador of the People's Republic of China, and Gottfried Sodeck, an entrepreneur, received them this year.
September 13, 2022
Greece and Austria Plan Closer Cooperation in Tourism
During a meeting between Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's Tourism Minister, and Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Austria's State Secretary for Tourism, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism affairs.
September 13, 2022
Austrian Gas Storage Facilities Over 70 Percent Full
Austria's gas storage facilities are already more than 70 percent full. The contingency plans to secure gas supplies that were put into action as a result of the war in Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis go according to plan as announced by Austria's government.
September 12, 2022
Austrian Minister at World Summit on Counter-Terrorism in Israel
Due to her participation in the World Counter-Terrorism Summit in Herzliya, the Austrian Minister for Europe and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, travelled to Israel at the weekend. As part of her speech, she presented Israeli descendants of those persecuted under National Socialism with Austrian citizenship.
September 12, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Presents the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity at the annual Ars Electronica Festival. The award, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021, honors projects that demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange for the development of a society-oriented, digital world.
September 11, 2022
Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler Visited Austria
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Foreign Minister from the Principality of Liechtenstein, Dominique Hasler, for a working meeting in Vienna. The exchange focused on bilateral issues, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the status of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans and cooperation in multilateral affairs. In addition to the bilateral meeting, there was the annual Liechtenstein Reception at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein.
September 11, 2022
Austrian Appointed as New UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
The new Human Rights High Commissioner for the UN is Austrian lawyer Volker Türk. On the proposal of Secretary-General Guterres, the 57-year-old was appointed to succeed the previous Commissioner Bachelet by the United Nations General Assembly. Türk had previously served as Assistant Secretary-General.
September 9, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austrian policymakers are concerned with inflation and energy issues. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 8, 2022
Austrian Dignitaries Met Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Vienna at the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The Ban Ki-moon Centre awards scholarships to women and youth to promote the idea of global citizenship and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN's 2030 Agenda.
September 8, 2022
New Educational Cooperation Between International Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem and Austria Launched
An educational collaboration between Yad Vashem and the Austrian Parliament was formally established during the visit of the Director of the Holocaust Memorial, Dani Dayan. An agreement to work together against anti-Semitism was signed by Dani Dayan and Wolfgang Sobotka, the President of the National Council. Yad Vashem's partnership with a national parliament is the first of its kind in the world.
September 8, 2022
New Framework Agreement Between Ukraine and Austria to Facilitate Economic and Humanitarian Assistance
A new framework agreement between Ukraine and Austria is to promote a strengthening of economic cooperation as well as the expansion of humanitarian aid on the ground. For this purpose, the Austrian Minister of Labour, Martin Kocher, and the Caritas Secretary General, Andreas Knapp, travelled to Ukraine.
September 8, 2022
Austrian Government has Agreed on Electricity Price Brake
The Austrian federal government has agreed on the long-discussed "electricity price brake" to cushion the high cost of energy. According to information from the federal government, each household will pay a lower electricity price for that share of electricity consumption which corresponds to 80 percent of the average consumption of an Austrian household in the previous year.
September 7, 2022
Austro-Arab Chamber Strengthens Relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) strengthened its relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt. The AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja met with important ambassadors and dignitaries from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt.
September 7, 2022
Austria's Foreign Ministry Launches International Initiatives on the Topic of "Culture of the Future"
The 2022 Foreign Culture Conference on the theme of "Future Culture" was held in the Expedithalle of the Ankerbrot Factory in Vienna. It is primarily about eco-social, digital and ethical challenges and how these can be creatively solved with the help of art.
September 7, 2022
Austria Helps Flood Victims in Pakistan
Following massive flooding in Pakistan as a result of the heavy monsoon rains that have been continuing for many weeks, the Austrian government is providing support on the ground with payments from the Austrian Foreign Ministry's Foreign Disaster Fund. Two million euros in emergency aid from the State Department's Foreign Disaster Fund will help Pakistan with the humanitarian crisis triggered by the climate disaster.
September 7, 2022
